ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is a non-profit organization created to focus national attention on mental health issues and to work to improve the health and social outcomes of people living with mental illness. The Commission is seen as a leader nationally and internationally in several areas. Building upon the work done to date, the core mandate, and the unique position of the Commission, and guided by Changing Directions Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, the Commission will focus in the areas of, substance abuse/misuse, suicide prevention, population based initiatives, and engagement. This prioritization will enable the Commission to be successful in meeting its mandate, staying focused, and having a measurable impact for those living with mental illness and their families and caregivers.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Indigenous Program Advisor, Programs and Priorities participates and supports the Program and Priorities department with its activities with a special emphasis on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) stakeholders and issues relative to those communities. The Indigenous Program Advisor, Programs and Priorities is responsible to provide guidance and build capacity for MHCC staff to ensure a culturally-safe and inclusive approach is taken to program development, implementation, and evaluation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to and under the Director, Knowledge Exchange Centre the Indigenous Program Advisor, Programs and Priorities will:

Develop authentic partnerships based on culturally appropriate engagement protocols with Indigenous peoples and organizations to develop programs and policy documents that accelerate improvements in the area of mental health and wellness;

Work with MHCC staff to ensure that outward facing programs, products and services are culturally safe, inclusive and respectful;

Support the MHCC to meet its commitment to reconciliation by supporting relationships with Indigenous people and organizations, by creating capacity building initiatives that increases staff knowledge of Indigenous understandings of wellness and healing, cultural competencies, and engagement protocols;

Seek out and determine new opportunities to improve MHCC work in the area of Indigenous mental wellness;

Ensure awareness of activities and initiatives of related stakeholders on FNIM issues;